“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
From a very young age, my family and I have been great lovers of nature and enjoy viewing nature for the masterpiece that it is. When I received my first camera at age 11, I started looking at my surroundings with a different perspective.
At the age of twelve I joined the Outdoorphoto Internet Community and received my very own Canon 40D and 100-400mm lens. This amazing gift from a thoughtful friend gave me the chance to pursue my passion, and I will remember this kindness always.
For me photography is about capturing moments in time that will never be repeated again, and then sharing the beauty of that moment with the world. I also enjoy the thrill of adrenaline rushing through my veins when that perfect opportunity finally presents its self.
When out in the field I try to stay patient, and wait for the opportunity whilst keeping my finger on the shutter. In spite of this fierce focus I always remember to enjoy myself and the beauty surrounding me.
Some of my favorite photographic subjects include birds, carnivorous mammals and the smaller under-appreciated creatures out there like the Dwarf Mongoose. In the end I really love capturing any of nature’s wondrous creations.
During the last few years I have had some excellent photographic opportunities. These included photographing a pair of Cheetahs in sweet morning light, a group of Dwarf Mongooses play fighting right in front of me and a pair of Pied Kingfishers diving for fish in a small pool next to the road. Amongst them there is one that truly stands out for me, taken at Satara which is a prime area for predators and an amazing place for photography.
Early one morning on the S100 gravel road in the Kruger National Park near Satara, a huge male leopard came walking straight towards us. The light was overcast, which made the conditions less than ideal. It was an amazing sighting for a place like the Kruger National Park.
As he made his way towards us, I looked up and promised myself I will capture this precious moment. His eyes appeared full of pride, as he got closer. My heart started to beat faster and faster, while my finger stayed on the shutter. Waiting for that perfect moment when he looked up at me for a split second, and the shot was made.
I have met some great people through my photography and all their help and encouragement has always been a real inspiration for me. I doubt I could have got to where I am, if it was not for their support. I really look up to them. Some of them include: Rik Coetzee, Margo Coetzee, Allan Booysen, Isak Pretorius, Shem Compion, Mark Dumbleton and Basie van Zyl. There are too many to name in this article, so I apologize to those I have left out. My family has also always been very supportive to me and I appreciate that immensely.
At the age of 14 turning 15, I am starting to look at what the future holds for me. I plan to make photography a great part of it and maybe even teach other photographers one day to plough something back. In the immediate future, it is my hope to gain some international recognition for my work so that I may explore further opportunities to develop as a photographer.
Most of all I will share with people the beauty of nature, help with conservation and inspire others by example, as I have been by others.
Greetings,
Wynand van Wyk
Wynand’s Links:
- Website: Wynand van Wyk Photography
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Very nice images! This young man has a very exciting and rewarding future ahead of him…that I’m sure! Awesome work!
‘Stunning’ is the word I kept saying to myself looking at these photographs. Amazing work. I will be sure to keep an eye on your website.
Staggering! Unusual.
Work to be proud of at any age. Well done!
great stuff Wynand! you certainly are one to keep an eye on, your passion and talent will take you very far…
Beautiful photographs.
The dwarf mongoose are precious! You really know how to be patient and capture the most memorable moments. Wonderful work.
All of these pictures are wonderful, but it’s the one of the cheetah where Wynand shows his maturity – and that’s the framing of the cheetah’s head *and* it’s shadow. I think most may have been satisfied with just the head, myself included. The shadow makes this picture.
I’m looking forward to more
I tried to teach you from the start that with photography, patience is a virtue. You certainly took heed of this advice and the quality of your shots prove that you have the makings of a great photographer Wynie. Keep the passion alive and live the passion whenever you can. Super stuff.
gives utilize a superb web-site decent Gives thanks for the hard work to help out me
Wynand
Dis duidelik dat jy weet waarmee jy besig is en dat daar liefde vir – en baie tyd agter elke foto is. Een ding wat vir my uitstaan is die komposisies van hierdie puik fotos. Dis die komposisies elke puik foto ‘n uitstaanfoto maak, dis maar wat ek dink.
Ek sal jou goed so met die web-langs dophou en leer by jou so ver as wat jou loopbaan as fotograaf ontwikkel. Werk hard om jou eie grense elke nou en dan oor te steek dat ons kan sien waar dit jou heen vat.
Groete
Deon